The diet hacks (and healthy recipes) you need this Diwali

No, you don’t have to give up on mithai

Staying on a healthy diet during festive season is a tough ask, especially in a country like ours, where the celebrations tend to go on for a long, long time. With Diwali almost here, most of us are gearing up for all the parties and get-togethers that dot our calendars around this time of the year. We spoke to nutritionist Suman Agarwal to get her tips on how to keep the scale from tipping without giving up on the sweet and savoury treats that are a big part of the festivities—and got her to curate a Diwali-friendly four-course meal (and give us the recipes) that won’t shake your diet. Scroll on to find out.

Diet tips to help you eat healthy this Diwali

Hack #1: Get your mithai customised into minis

“Most well-known sweet shops will do this for you these days. I always get mine cut into half-inch cocktail sizes. This way, you end up consuming lesser calories as the portions are much smaller.”

Hack #2: Create a dessert calendar

“I’ve told all my clients to do this. Diwali is basically four days of celebrations. Schedule one dessert a day and, if you know what is on the menu, decide the exact one you will pick up—and stick to this plan! When you’re not prepared, you end up picking up more than one dessert, which then derails your diet.”

Hack #3: Space alcoholic drinks with sparkling water

“If you are craving a drink or two, make the first one a large. This way you’re already ‘happy’. Have a Perrier or any other sparkling water in between two drinks to stay well hydrated.”

Hack #4: Get on a detox diet post a late night of partying

“If you’ve not slept enough, I would recommend you do not exercise that day at all. Instead, start your day with a fruit and nut smoothie, or a fruit and buttermilk/curd—this will bring the acidity down as well. Lunch should be light as well—a khichdi with salad would be perfect. Tea-time have coconut water with makhana or three Marie biscuits or even upma/poha. End the day with a chicken clear soup with stir-fry veggies. Vegetarians can opt for curd with rice or moong salad or lentil soup with veggies.”

Healthy recipes for your Diwali party

Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or treating your family, we’ve got Suman Agarwal to put together a healthy Diwali menu for you, with recipes.